First you need to understand what prebiotics and probiotics are, and how do they differ?
Probiotics are living beneficial bacteria. Normally, many microorganisms are found in the intestines of any animal, and probiotics make it possible to replenish their number and, accordingly, suppress the harmful microflora. Intestinal microflora is a very important component for the proper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. It performs many different functions that are not always within the power of the animal’s body.
Prebiotics, on the other hand, are food components that are not digested or absorbed in the animal’s stomach and intestines, but are food for microorganisms that inhabit the intestines. And most importantly, these components nourish only beneficial microflora, not allowing harmful ones to eat. This is possible due to the "acidification" of the intestinal environment, which becomes unfavorable for the growth of harmful bacteria.
Why give pre- and probiotics?
As we have already found out, the intestinal microflora is very important for the proper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Improper feeding, a sharp change in diet, treatment, especially with antibiotics, eating dirty snow or drinking water from puddles, as well as stress, travel, decreased immunity - all this undermines the healthy flora, reduces its number - dysbiosis occurs. Pre- and probiotics are used not only for treatment, but also for the prevention of dysbiosis. If you decide to change the food to your pet, or you are going on a trip, or when your dog drank water in a nearby pond while walking, it is better to play it safe and give it a course of pre- or probiotics.
When is it worth giving a pet a course of pre- or probiotics?
When switching to a new feed. Regardless of how similar two different feeds are, they are made from different raw materials, using different methods and often even at different plants. Therefore, the gastrointestinal tract of your pet may react negatively when switching to a new feed. If you start giving pre- and probiotics shortly before switching to a new food, and continue to give them until the pet starts eating only new food, you can prevent stool breakdown, as well as add attractiveness to the pet for the pet.